Windhoek: Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa on Monday called on regional councillors and local authority councillors to put aside their political differences and prioritise the interests of the people they serve, warning that political infighting has damaged public institutions.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa made these remarks during the opening of an induction workshop for newly elected regional and local authorities’ councils from Oshana, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions. He emphasized that councils are government institutions and not extensions of political parties.

Sankwasa stated, ‘Councillors must understand that when they enter council chambers, they are not there as representatives of their political parties, but as servants of the people and the state.’ He reminded councillors that both regional councils and local authorities operate within the framework of the Namibian Constitution and the relevant legislation, including the Regional Councils Act of 1992 and the Local Authorities Act.

Furthermore, he remarked, ‘You only become a councillor after subscribing to the laws of the country, not to your political party. If you are elected but not sworn in, you are not a councillor. The oath is a promise to be faithful to the Republic of Namibia and to uphold and defend the Constitution.’

The five-day workshop is being attended by regional councillors and chief regional officers, as well as local authorities’ councillors, chief executive officers, management cadres, and administrative staff from the three northern regions. The political leadership and executive management of the newly proclaimed Uis Village Council in the Erongo Region are also participating in the workshop.

Oshana Regional Governor Hofni Iipinge commended the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development for organising the induction, stating it reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening decentralised governance and service delivery. He urged newly elected regional and local authority councillors to uphold ethical leadership and focus on delivering tangible results for their communities. Iipinge added, ‘Your election is a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust that the Namibian people have placed in you to represent their interests and drive development.’